Over the past seven years, Northeastern University has made a significant leap in the National Universities ranking by U.S. News & World Report , moving from #98 in 2007 to #56 in 2013 to #49 in ranking for 2014.
Additionally, in the category, Up-and-Coming Schools, this year Northeastern was ranked #3 for “making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty and student life,” according to U.S. News & World Report.
USA Today reported on factors affecting the shifts in the rankings: “Under the new U.S. News methodology, graduation-related data account for 30% of the rankings, making it the most-heavily weighted factor. Student selectivity, based on class rank and standardized test scores, accounts for 12.5% of the formula, down from 15% last year. Other key factors include a school’s reputation among peers and faculty resources.”
Following is a sample of media coverage on the new ranking:
USA Today – College rankings reflect change in emphasis
The Washington Post – U.S. News college rankings: The big gainers and big decliners over three years